by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
The California court system has been impacted by statewide budget cuts, meaning court dockets are becoming more crowded and backlogs are the norm. This is just one of several reasons Californians should look at ways to avoid the probate process altogether, and...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
The reasons people choose to leave someone out of their will are as varied as the families affected. Disinheriting a family member is becoming more common, but the law will not allow you to disinherit a spouse or minor children.Since California law makes specific...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
When you open an investment or retirement account or get a life insurance policy, you will need to designate a beneficiary so the assets can pass as you wish without probate. Most people typically name a spouse, children or close relatives as beneficiaries; however,...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Getting an accurate picture of your financial situation is the first step in preparing to write a Last Will and Testament or California Estate Plan. Before you visit a California estate planning attorney, make sure you have your financial papers in order and have...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Clearly the decision to get remarried is more than a financial one, but there are some factors that should be taken into consideration, especially if you are older. The decision to remain single or get remarried can impact your ability to leave assets to your heirs.If...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
if you are the parent of minor children, you are undoubtedly concerned that your children will be well taken care of should something happen to you. You may have already planned for this by naming a guardian for your children in your will, thinking that the person you...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
The job of an estate executor is to identify estate assets, pay off debt and then distribute what is left in the estate to heirs and beneficiaries. In addition, an executor must file certain tax returns and pay any taxes due on the estate. Handled improperly, the IRS...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Having gone through the last recession where savings often had to be tapped prior to retirement — and with few years left to make up what has been lost — boomers are rightly concerned about outliving their retirement savings.Financial advisors recommend...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
Congress passed the fiscal cliff tax deal – known as the American Taxpayer Relief Act – in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2013 and President Obama is expected to sign the new legislation upon his return from holiday vacation.According to the Tax Policy...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Feb 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
The beginning of the New Year is always full of resolutions for many of us to make true improvements in our lives. The #1 resolution is to lose weight – but how about what weighs on many people’s minds at all times during the year…namely, money.While...
